By Larry Larkin (@larrylarkinsjsu) – Spear Reporter
SJSU’s Hunter Dorraugh running to first while Seattle U’s Blake Smith prepares to throw to first on Feb. 23, 2024. I Photo by Andrew Hartley – The Spear
San Jose State baseball (0-4) suffered a 7-0 loss in its home opener against Seattle University (3-2) Friday afternoon.
The Spartans’ early offensive struggles continued going 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position. They have now been shutout in two of their first four games.
“In terms of the opportunities that we had, I don’t think there were enough,” SJSU head coach Brad Sanfilippo said. “But at the same time, when those opportunities roll around, we have to take advantage of them.”
The game was a pitcher’s duel between SJSU’s Ethan Ross and Seattle U’s Blake Smith. In fact, San Jose State trailed just 1-0 entering the ninth inning.
Smith pitched seven innings allowing five hits, zero runs, and struck out three batters.
Ross had a strong performance pitching six innings, allowing four hits, one run, and striking out five.
Seattle University eventually blew the game wide open in the final inning.
This included scoring six runs, which included Grant Heiser’s three-run home run with two outs that made it 7-0.
SJSU relief pitchers Joey Cammarata and Gary Hall combined to pitch the ninth giving up four hits, four runs, four earned runs, walked nobody and struck out one batter.
SJSU shortstop Theo Hardy went 1-for-4, including a double in the first inning which was the Spartans’ only extra-base hit of the game.
San Jose State’s next game is Saturday at home against Seattle University, with first pitch at 2:05 p.m.